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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 4:17–21.
Here, I. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, to bring them into remembrance of his ways in Christ, as he taught every where in every church (Co1 4:17) - to remind them of his ways in Christ, to refresh their memory as to his preaching and practice, what he taught, and how he lived among them. Note, Those who have had ever so good teaching are apt to forget, and need to have their memories refreshed. The same truth, taught over again, if it give no new light, may make new and quicker impression. He also lets them know that his teaching was the same every where, and in every church. He had not one doctrine for one place and people, and another for another. He kept close to his instructions. What he received of the Lord, that he delivered, Co1 11:23. This was the gospel revelation, which was the equal concern of all men, and did not very from itself. He therefore taught the same things in every church, and lived after the same manner in all times and places. Note, The truth of Christ is one and invariable. What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places. Christians may mistake and differ in their apprehensions, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, today, and for ever, Heb 13:8. To render their regard to Timothy the greater, he gives them his character. He was his beloved son, a spiritual child of his, as well as themselves. Note, Spiritual brotherhood should engage affection as well as what is common and natural. The children of one father should have one heart. But he adds, "He is faithful in the Lord - trustworthy, as one that feared the Lord. He will be faithful in the particular office he has now received of the Lord, the particular errand on which he comes; not only from me, but from Christ. He knows what I have taught, and what my conversation has been in all places, and, you may depend upon it, he will make a faithful report." Note, It is a great commendation of any minister that he is faithful in the Lord, faithful to his soul, to his light, to his trust from God; this must go a great way in procuring regard to his message with those that fear God.
II.He rebukes the vanity of those who imagined he would not come to them, by letting them know this was his purpose, though he had sent Timothy: "I will come to you shortly, though some of you are so vain as to think I will not." But he adds, if the Lord will. It seems, as to the common events of life, apostles knew no more than other men, nor were they in these points under inspiration. For, had the apostle certainly known the mind of God in this matter, he would not have expressed himself with this certainty. But he sets a good example to us in it. Note, All our purposes must be formed with a dependence on Providence, and a reserve for the overruling purposes of God. If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this and that, Jam 4:15.
III.He lets them know what would follow upon his coming to them:
I will know, not the speech of those that are puffed up, but the power, Co1 4:19. He would bring the great pretenders among them to a trial, would know what they were, not by their rhetoric or philosophy, but by the authority and efficacy of what they taught, whether they could confirm it by miraculous operations, and whether it was accompanied with divine influences and saving effects on the minds of men. For, adds he, the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. It is not set up, nor propagated, nor established, in the hearts of men, by plausible reasonings nor florid discourses, but by the external power of the Holy Spirit in miraculous operations at first, and the powerful influence of divine truth on the minds and manners of men. Note, It is a good way in the general to judge of a preacher's doctrine, to see whether the effects of it upon men's hearts to be truly divine. That is most likely to come from God which in its own nature is most fit, and in event is found to produce most likeness to God, to spread piety and virtue, to change men's hearts and mend their manners.
IV.He puts it to their choice how he should come among them, whether with a rod or in love and the spirit of meekness (Co1 4:21); that is, according as they were they would find him. If they continued perverse among themselves and with him, it would be necessary to come with a rod; that is, to exert his apostolical power in chastising them, by making some examples, and inflicting some diseases and corporal punishments, or by other censures for their faults. Note, Stubborn offenders must be used with severity. In families, in Christian communities, paternal pity and tenderness, Christian love and compassion, will sometimes force the use of the rod. But this is far from being desirable, if it may be prevented. And therefore the apostle adds that it was in their own option whether he should come with a rod or in a quite different disposition and manner: Or in love and the spirit of meekness. As much as if he had said, "Take warning, cease your unchristian feuds, rectify the abuses among you, and return to your duty, and you shall find me as gentle and benign as you can with. It will be a force upon my inclination to proceed with severity. I had rather come and display the tenderness of a father among you than assert his authority. Do but your duty, and you have no reason to avoid my presence." Note, It is a happy temper in a minister to have the spirit of love and meekness predominant, and yet to maintain his just authority.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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It teaches the magnificence of the wisdom implanted in her children by instruction. Now the apostle says, "I will know not the speech of those that are puffed up, but the power; for the kingdom of God is not in word." By which is clearly revealed that the gnostic does not sin in speech, nor is puffed up by talk, but is full of work, having made his whole life in accordance with the Lord's commands.
Paul couches his promise to come in the will of God, because God knows more than man. If there was some advantage in Paul’s going to Corinth, God would make it known, and if he did not turn up, the Corinthians would know that the Lord had not wanted him to.
And therefore he goes on, "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will." Now to say this only would seem to be mere threatening. But to promise himself and demand from them the requisite proof by actions also; this was a course for a truly high spirit. Accordingly he added this too, saying, "And I will know, not the word of them which are puffed up, but the power." For not from any excellencies of their own but from their teacher's absence, this self-will arose. Which again itself was a mark of a scornful mind towards him. And this is why, having said, "I have sent Timothy," he did not at once add, "I will come;" but waited until he had brought his charge against them of being "puffed up:" after that he saith, "I will come." Since, had he put it before the charge, it would rather have been an apology for himself as not having been deficient, instead of a threat; nor even so would the statement have been convincing. But as it is, placing it after the accusation, he rendered himself such as they would both believe and fear.
Mark also how solid and secure he makes his ground: for he saith not simply, "I will come:" but, "If the Lord will:" and he appoints no set time. For since he might perhaps be tardy in coming, by that uncertainty he would fain keep them anxiously engaged. And, lest they should hereupon fall back again, he added, "shortly."
"And I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power." He said not, "I will know not the wisdom, nor the signs," but what? "not the word:" by the term he employs at the same time depressing the one and exalting the other. And for a while he is setting himself against the generality of them who were countenancing the fornicator. For if he were speaking of him, he would not say, "the power;" but, "the works," the corrupt works which he did.
Now why seekest thou not after "the word?" "Not because I am wanting in word but because all our doings are in power." As therefore in war success is not for those who talk much but those who effect much; so also in this case, not speakers, but doers have the victory. "Thou," saith he, "art proud of this fine speaking. Well, if it were a contest and a time for orators, thou mightest reasonably be elated thereat: but if of Apostles preaching truth, and by signs confirming the same, why art thou puffed up for a thing superfluous and unreal, and to the present purpose utterly inefficient? For what could a display of words avail towards raising the dead, or expelling evil spirits, or working any other such deed of wonder? But these are what we want now, and by these our cause stands."
Paul promises to come, so that the Corinthians can prepare themselves for correction. On the one hand he was forced by his irritation to say “I shall come,” but on the other hand he added “if the Lord wills,” because of his sense of dependence on God.
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Summary
The Apostle Paul declares his imminent arrival in Corinth, a visit contingent upon the Lord's will. His purpose is not to engage in rhetorical debates with the arrogant factions within the church but to conduct a thorough spiritual assessment, discerning the true nature of their spiritual state by observing not their empty boasts or eloquent words, but the genuine manifestation of divine power.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's broader address to the Corinthian church concerning their spiritual immaturity, divisions, and pride. In the preceding chapters, Paul has contrasted human wisdom with God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) and established the nature of true apostolic ministry as one of humble suffering and service (1 Corinthians 4:9-13). He has just mentioned sending Timothy to them as his representative (1 Corinthians 4:17) and noted that some among them had become "puffed up," presuming he would not visit (1 Corinthians 4:18). Verse 19 directly challenges this presumption, asserting Paul's personal intention to come and confront their arrogance with spiritual authority.
Historical & Cultural Context
Corinth was a prominent Roman city, a bustling commercial hub known for its diverse philosophical schools and a high regard for rhetoric and eloquent speech. In this cultural milieu, persuasive oratory was often equated with wisdom and authority. The Corinthian church, influenced by these societal values, had developed an unhealthy admiration for human charisma and intellectual prowess, leading to factions and a spirit of self-congratulation. Paul's emphasis on "power" over "speech" directly confronts this cultural bias, asserting a counter-cultural standard for spiritual authenticity rooted in divine enablement rather than human performance.
Key Themes
This verse is pivotal in highlighting several core themes throughout 1 Corinthians. It underscores the nature of true wisdom (contrasting human wisdom with the power of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5), the authority and authenticity of apostleship (Paul asserts his right and responsibility to confront spiritual immaturity, a theme woven throughout 1 Corinthians 4), and the pervasive issue of humility versus spiritual pride (the recurring problem of being "puffed up," which Paul addresses multiple times, for instance in 1 Corinthians 8:1). Furthermore, Paul's submission to "if the Lord will" emphasizes the overarching theme of divine sovereignty in all aspects of ministry and life.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies a deep, experiential, and discerning knowledge, not merely a superficial acquaintance. Paul's intention to "know" implies an authoritative assessment of the spiritual reality within the Corinthian church, moving beyond their outward expressions to grasp the true substance (or lack thereof) of their faith and spiritual state.
Derived from the concept of "blowing" or "inflating," this term vividly describes someone who is swollen with pride, arrogant, or conceited. It conveys a sense of empty, hollow boastfulness, suggesting a lack of genuine spiritual depth or humility. Paul uses this word frequently in his letters to the Corinthians to diagnose their spiritual immaturity.
This word denotes inherent ability, strength, or miraculous power, often referring to the effective working of God's Spirit. In contrast to human "speech" or eloquence, Paul emphasizes this divine enablement as the true measure of spiritual authenticity and the tangible manifestation of God's presence and activity, which produces genuine spiritual fruit and transformation.
Verse Breakdown
"But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will"
Paul definitively states his personal intention to visit the Corinthian church in the near future. Crucially, this declaration is immediately qualified by "if the Lord will," underscoring his complete submission to God's sovereign plan and purpose for his ministry and travels, a common expression of dependence in the early church.
"and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up"
Paul clarifies the purpose of his visit: to discern the true spiritual condition of those who are arrogant and self-important. He explicitly states that his focus will not be on their eloquent words, persuasive rhetoric, or empty boasts, which are merely superficial expressions of their pride and human wisdom.
"but the power"
In sharp contrast to their superficial "speech," Paul asserts that he will assess the "power"—the genuine spiritual authority, divine enablement, and transformative work of God that should be evident among them. This highlights that true spiritual reality and the Kingdom of God are manifested not in human eloquence but in the Spirit's active presence and effect.
Literary Devices
The verse employs a powerful Antithesis by sharply contrasting "speech" (logos) with "power" (dynamis). This rhetorical device highlights the central tension Paul addresses within the Corinthian church: the superficiality of human eloquence versus the substantive reality of divine enablement. The explicit "not... but" construction emphasizes this opposition, underscoring Paul's value system and his commitment to spiritual substance over outward show. Furthermore, the phrase "puffed up" (physióō) functions as a vivid Metaphor, figuratively describing spiritual arrogance as an inflated, hollow state, devoid of genuine spiritual weight. This imagery effectively conveys the emptiness of their pride and sets the stage for Paul's discerning assessment of true "power." Paul's personal assertion of his visit also serves as an exercise of Apostolic Authority, reminding the Corinthians of his role as their spiritual father who will personally intervene to correct and guide them.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Corinthians 4:19 profoundly articulates the theological truth that the Kingdom of God is not built on human wisdom or persuasive words, but on the manifest power of the Holy Spirit. Paul consistently champions divine enablement over human eloquence, challenging believers to prioritize God's transforming work over impressive rhetoric. His humble acknowledgment, "if the Lord will," also underscores the critical theological principle of divine sovereignty, reminding all believers that our plans and ministries are ultimately subject to God's perfect will. The confrontation of the "puffed up" also connects to the broader biblical emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue for genuine spiritual growth and the reception of God's grace.
Reflection and Application
1 Corinthians 4:19 remains profoundly relevant for believers and the church today, challenging us to critically examine what we truly value in spiritual leadership, ministry, and our own lives. It compels us to look beyond outward appearances, charismatic personalities, or eloquent communication, and instead to seek and discern genuine spiritual power—evidenced in transformed lives, humble service, the fruit of the Spirit, and the demonstration of God's work. This verse serves as a vital caution against spiritual pride and arrogance, urging us to cultivate humility and to recognize that true spiritual impact flows from God's enabling power, not from self-inflated importance or human wisdom. Moreover, Paul's submission to "if the Lord will" provides a crucial model for all our plans and aspirations, reminding us to live in constant dependence on God's sovereign will, trusting Him to direct our paths for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by contrasting "speech" with "power"?
Paul uses "speech" (Greek, logos) to refer to human eloquence, persuasive rhetoric, or intellectual arguments that, while impressive to some, lack divine substance and transformative effect. In stark contrast, "power" (Greek, dýnamis) signifies the genuine, active working of God's Spirit, which manifests in spiritual authority, transformed lives, and the demonstration of God's presence. Paul emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is not about persuasive words but about the tangible demonstration of God's power, as he articulates in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, where he states his preaching was "not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
Why does Paul say "if the Lord will" when declaring his intention to visit?
This phrase, "if the Lord will" (Greek, ean kyrios thelei), is a common expression of humble dependence on God's sovereignty in the New Testament. It reflects the understanding that all human plans, no matter how earnest or well-intentioned, are ultimately contingent upon God's permission and divine purpose. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and strong desire to visit, acknowledges that his ability to do so is entirely subject to the Lord's will, a sentiment echoed in James 4:15, which advises, "Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Who are "them which are puffed up" that Paul refers to in this verse?
Paul is referring to certain individuals within the Corinthian church who had become arrogant and conceited, likely due to their perceived wisdom, spiritual gifts, or allegiance to particular leaders. These individuals were boasting and causing divisions, valuing human wisdom and rhetorical skill over the humble, cross-centered message of the gospel. Paul uses the term "puffed up" (physióō) multiple times in his Corinthian letters to address this pervasive issue of pride, such as in 1 Corinthians 8:1, where he warns that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Corinthians 4:19, in its powerful contrast between human "speech" and divine "power," points profoundly to Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment and source of God's true power. While the world often values eloquent discourse and human reasoning, God chose to reveal His saving power through the seemingly weak and foolish message of the cross, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Jesus Himself did not rely on rhetorical cleverness but spoke with an inherent authority that astonished His hearers, demonstrating the "power" of God through His miracles, healings, and ultimately, His resurrection from the dead (Matthew 7:29; Luke 4:36). The Holy Spirit, the very power of God, was poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers not with persuasive words but with divine dynamis to bear witness to Christ's saving work (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4). Thus, Paul's intention to assess the Corinthians by "power" rather than "speech" is a call for them to align their lives and ministry with the nature of Christ's humble yet powerful ministry and the Spirit's transformative work, where true spiritual reality is found in the authentic, God-given presence and demonstration of His power, culminating in the saving work of the crucified and resurrected Lord.